2015 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Clos de Beauvenir Ch. La Nerthe

The 2015 'Clos de Beauvenir' is a magnificent wine from Château la Nerthe, which is composed of Roussanne and Clairette along with a few other varietals rounding out the blend. As this begins to open it delivers a wonderful, complex range of aromatics including honeysuckle, orange blossom, fresh mineral, apricot, white peach, buttered almond and melon all bursting from the glass. On the palate this offers a gorgeous rich texture, which is beautifully balanced. The impressive combination of ripe fruits and underlying acidity, make this a truly special wine. While this is absolutely sensational right now, it would be best waiting a few more years for this to hit its stride, as this is ultimately an age-worthy wine with the potential to evolve over the next two decades. (Best 2020-2037) .

Not yet bottled, the 2015 Châteauneuf du Pape Clos de Beauvenir Blanc is more fresh and steely than previous vintages, yet still has medium to full-bodied richness, terrific notes of apple blossom, brioche and crushed rocks, impeccable balance and a great finish. I suspect it will benefit from a year in bottle and keep for a decade or more.

Broad and mature now, with creamed melon, pear, quince and yellow apple notes gliding along, backed by a swath of warm buttered brioche accents on the finish. A very suave and flattering style that will have lots of fans. Roussanne, Grenache Blanc and Clairette. Drink now through 2019.-J.M .